Examples of ILLUSORY

an illusory sense of security

First Known Use of ILLUSORY

circa 1631

Synonym Discussion of ILLUSORY

apparent, illusory, seeming, ostensible mean not actually being what appearance indicates. apparent suggests appearance to unaided senses that may or may not be borne out by more rigorous examination or greater knowledge <the apparent cause of the accident>. illusory implies a false impression based on deceptive resemblance or faulty observation, or influenced by emotions that prevent a clear view <an illusory sense of security>. seeming implies a character in the thing observed that gives it the appearance, sometimes through intent, of something else <the seeming simplicity of the story>. ostensible suggests a discrepancy between an openly declared or naturally implied aim or reason and the true one <the ostensible reason for their visit>.

ILLUSORY Defined for Kids

illusory

adjectiveil·lu·so·ry\i-ˈlü-sə-rē\

Definition of ILLUSORY for Kids

: based on something that is not true or real <an illusory hope>

Medical Dictionary

illusory

adjectiveil·lu·so·ry \il-ˈüs-(ə-)rē, -ˈüz-\

Medical Definition of ILLUSORY

: based on or producing illusion : being deceptive <the search for the ultimate cure-all for a hangover has proved illusory—M. L. Herndon>